Sen. Ricardo Lara endorses Robert Garcia for Long Beach mayor

LONG BEACH - State Sen. Ricardo Lara, chairman of the state's Latino Legislative Caucus, has endorsed Vice Mayor Robert Garcia in his campaign to become the city's next mayor."Robert has the vision, experience, and fiscal discipline to lead one of the most populous and diverse cities in the United States," Lara said in a statement announcing the endorsement on Friday.The next mayor must continue to focus on creating good paying jobs, cultivate our local economy, and engage our public safety officials to keep our neighborhoods safe. Robert has the skills and zeal to get the job done -- this is why I am proud to endorse his candidacy for mayor."Garcia said he was honored to receive the endorsement from one of "our strongest advocates in the state Legislature.""California is back on track, and as mayor I will work with our state legislators to ensure Long Beach's local schools, colleges and healthcare facilities reap the benefits of our improving economy," Garcia said.Garcia and Lara have a long association going back to their days in student government. Garcia was student body president at Cal State Long Beach around the time when Lara held the was student body vice president at San Diego State.Both Garcia and Lara are openly gay.Lara, a rising star in the state's Latino politics, won his senate seat last year after one term in the Assembly. He is also a member of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus.The field for Long Beach mayor has been growing since Mayor Bob Foster said last week he would not seek a third term.Besides Garcia, Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal announced Wednesday she would run for the seat.Previously declaring bids were: Damon Dunn, a businessman and former NFL player; Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske; Long Beach City College Trustee Doug Otto; and Jana Shields, a linguist, treasurer of the Willmore City Heritage Association and past 1st Council District candidate.Otto received a big-name endorsement earlier this week, when he won the support of Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.The primary election is April 8.Eric Bradley can be reached at 562-499-1254 eric.bradley@presstelegram.com @EricBradleyPT on Twitter